Kampala, Uganda: Controversial social media blogger, Andrew Natumanya, popularly known as Tabz on X and widely recognized as an official photographer of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly arrested or abducted on Wednesday evening under circumstances that remained unclear by press time.
The development was first announced by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, who claimed Tabz had been picked up by unidentified security operatives in Kamwokya and driven away in what opposition supporters commonly refer to as a “drone”, a term often used to describe security vans linked to arrests and abductions.
“We have just been informed of the abduction of Natumanya from Kamwokya a short while ago. He has been whisked away in a drone!” Rubongoya posted on social media platform X on Wednesday evening.
The reported arrest quickly sparked concern among opposition supporters and digital activists, many of whom demanded clarification from security authorities regarding his whereabouts and legal status.
However, security sources familiar with the matter indicated that Natumanya’s arrest may not be directly linked to his political activities.
According to the sources, authorities have in recent months received multiple complaints against the controversial blogger, including allegations of blackmail, extortion and defamation.
The sources said several complainants had reportedly lodged cases accusing Natumanya of using social media platforms to publish damaging information while allegedly demanding payments from affected individuals.
The claims could not be independently verified, and no formal charges had been announced by the time of filing this report.
Natumanya has built a significant online following through political commentary, photography and coverage of opposition activities, particularly those involving NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
His reported arrest comes amid heightened public scrutiny over the treatment of opposition supporters, activists and online commentators, with opposition leaders frequently accusing security agencies of carrying out unlawful arrests and enforced disappearances.
Government and security agencies have consistently denied allegations of illegal abductions, maintaining that suspects are arrested and investigated in accordance with the law.
The latest incident is likely to add to ongoing debate surrounding civil liberties, digital activism and political freedoms in Uganda, especially following recent controversies involving opposition figures and activists.
As questions continue to surround Natumanya’s whereabouts and the circumstances of his arrest, opposition leaders have called for authorities to either formally charge him or produce him before court if he is being held lawfully.
Neither the Uganda Police Force nor other security agencies had immediately issued an official statement regarding Natumanya’s whereabouts, arrest, or detention by the time of publication, but more details are expected to emerge if security agencies come out to clarify the circumstances surrounding his disapperance.
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